Robert Goodwill, Roads Minister, said: “The A1 improvement to the Western Bypass will not only increase capacity by widening the road north to Metro Centre junction and south to Coal House junction, but also help economic growth in the area.”
The works include the installation of new road restraint systems, road markings, traffic signage, drainage systems, street lighting and fencing. It is thought that the project will create up to 200 construction jobs at its peak period.
Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, Nicholas Pollard, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to carry out these essential improvement works which will increase road user capacity by 30 per cent, reduce congestion and support regeneration and development, helping to boost the local economy.”
“This section of the road is currently one of the more congested sections of road on the Highways Agency’s network.”
Balfour Beatty will be responsible for both the design and construction works of the improvement scheme with subsidiary, Parsons Brinckerhoff, providing design support.
The project is due to commence this summer with completion scheduled for spring 2016.